Why We Should Pray for the Unreached

Around the world there are more than 7,000 people groups who have no access to bibles, churches, or neighbors who believe. It is easy to feel far removed from these people and the severity of their lostness when the gospel is easily accessible in the U.S. However, they need to be covered in prayer with the expectation that their salvation is near. Even though our prayers are often unseen, they are influential, carry impact, and fuel the gospel movement across the world.

Why Pray for the Unreached?

We pray for the unreached because God desires for all people to be saved and proclaim His name. In the same regard, prayer is meant for all people. When we pray for the unreached, we are sharing the desire of Jesus for all to know his name.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.” -1 Timothy 2:1

We pray for the unreached because missions cannot happen without prayer. When we pray for the unreached, we are inviting God into the process and the Holy Spirit works on His behalf. The prayers for the unreached are the momentum needed to advance the gospel to all who do not know Him.

“The history of missions is the history of answered prayer.” -Samuel Zwemer

“We will only advance our evangelistic work as fast and as far as we advance on our knees.” -Alan Redpath

The Power of Prayer

Prayer makes a difference. It makes a difference in our own lives as it renews our faith and our humility—allowing God to effectively use us to accomplish His Great Commission. But it also changes the lives of those we pray for.

“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” -James 5:16

It is a privileged, powerful weapon against the kingdom of darkness and a foundational element in the life of a believer.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms … And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” -Ephesians 6:12, 18

So today, we invite you to join us in prayer for the unreached so the gospel may reach them, touch them, and change their hearts and the world.

How to Get Started

Prayer changes hearts and impacts lives, even for those who have never heard of Jesus Christ. And it all starts with you.

Here are some prayer points to consider:

• Pray that God would supply and multiply the resources needed to support evangelizing to the unreached.
• Pray that the Lord would prepare the hearts of all who are lost to receive the gospel.
• Pray that the Lord would remove any obstacles to sharing the gospel and that instead He would provide opportunities to share God’s glory with His children.

East-West has written a prayer guide that will give you a glimpse into what life is like for the lost and provide you with a few suggestions on how you can start praying for the unreached as the Holy Spirit guides you. You can read more about how to pray for the unreached here.

As God calls us to pray for all people, let us respond with obedience and pray for our brothers and sisters who do not have access to the gospel.

To learn more, check out East-West's guide to unreached people groups.